The holiday season is upon us and no matter how you celebrate, there is likely to be a great deal of delicious food at your gathering. We know it can be hard to resist all the delicious treats of the season, but it’s important to be conscious of the damage some foods can do to your teeth. Here’s a few things to keep in mind:

Hard candy is hard on your teeth

Foods like candy canes can be dangerous for teeth. Hard candy could cause a chipped or broken tooth. In addition, it is loaded with sugar, which lingers on your teeth while dissolving, putting your teeth at risk for decay.

Alcohol may dry out your mouth

Seasonal drinks may make your mouth more susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. The sugar in drinks (such as eggnog) feed bacteria already in your mouth, and the alcohol will dry your mouth out, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

Chewy snacks can stick around

For some, snacks like caramels, dried fruit or trail mix can be hard to pass up. These treats can be sticky, and therefore get stuck in between the teeth. It’s important to drink water after eating these foods, as water can help dislodge any remaining particles.

Remember, it’s okay to indulge in the sweets you like. Just be sure to maintain your daily dental hygiene routine to ensure your teeth make it through the holidays unharmed!

All TruAssure dental plans are offered in association with the DenteMax Plus dental network arrangement, which includes dentists from the following dental networks: United Concordia, DenteMax and GEHA Connection Dental Network.